Rudy Giuliani just got hit with a legal bill that could buy a small yacht—$1.36 million plus interest, to be exact. A New York state judge has ruled that the former mayor and Trump confidant must pony up for unpaid fees to his ex-defense firm, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Turns out, even heroes of the right can’t dodge the fine print.

This whole saga boils down to Giuliani owing big bucks for legal work tied to investigations into his efforts for President Trump and some murky business in Ukraine.

Let’s rewind to the start: Giuliani worked with attorney Robert Costello of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron from November 2019 to July 2023. During those years, Costello defended him against a barrage of probes, including congressional inquiries and special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot. Add to that a case from Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis, and it’s clear Giuliani was in hot water.

Legal battles pile up for Giuliani

Now, Giuliani wasn’t just a bystander in these messes—he was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Smith’s case against Trump, though that case got tossed after recent developments. Meanwhile, Willis did charge him, only to be disqualified from prosecuting, with her final appeal shot down this week. He’s also staring down a separate criminal case in Arizona that’s still ongoing.

The law firm, understandably, wanted its money after racking up $1.57 million in bills for defending Giuliani. He paid a measly $194,000 upfront and another $20,000 later, leaving a whopping $1.36 million unpaid. For a man who’s fought so hard for justice, it’s a bit ironic to see him balk at settling his own tab.

Judge Arthur Engoron, who made the ruling on Wednesday, wasn’t buying Giuliani’s excuses that he never agreed to pay or even saw the bills. Engoron pointed out the lack of evidence and noted Giuliani’s own checks referenced specific file and invoice numbers. Actions, as they say, speak louder than denials.

Engoron’s ruling sparks partisan firestorm

“First, he provides no details to support this denial,” Engoron wrote, poking holes in Giuliani’s defense. Well, if you’re writing checks with invoice numbers, it’s hard to claim ignorance. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a reminder that the law doesn’t play favorites, even for Trump’s inner circle.

“Second, and more tellingly, one of his checks references his DHC file number,” Engoron added. That’s the kind of paper trail that makes even the slickest arguments crumble. One has to wonder if Giuliani thought he could outmaneuver a judge with a memory for details.

Interest on this hefty sum has been piling up since October 2023, right after the lawsuit hit the courts. That’s an extra sting for Giuliani, who’s already been through the wringer with legal battles and, more recently, a car crash from which he’s thankfully recovered. Life, it seems, isn’t cutting him any slack.

Giuliani’s team cries foul on ruling

Giuliani’s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, didn’t hold back, calling the decision a partisan hit job. “The idea that Judge Arthur Engoron is permitted to sit on a case involving President Donald Trump’s good friend and former personal lawyer, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, flies in the face of justice,” Goodman declared. While the frustration is palpable, one wonders if pointing fingers at the judge distracts from the unpaid bills at the heart of this mess.

Goodman doubled down, noting, “Judge Engoron is the same judge who imposed a preposterous $454 million judgment against President Trump, which was totally rejected and voided to zero on appeal.” Fair point—Engoron’s track record with Trump-related cases does raise eyebrows among conservatives who see a pattern of overreach. Still, a dismissed Trump penalty doesn’t erase Giuliani’s debt.

“So, just like the decision against President Trump, we are certain this decision will be reversed on appeal,” Goodman predicted. Optimism is admirable, but banking on an appeal while the interest ticks upward feels like a risky bet. The courtroom isn’t a casino, after all.

What’s next for Rudy Giuliani?

For now, Giuliani is on the hook for a sum that would make most of us wince, with interest only adding to the burden. It’s a tough pill to swallow for someone who’s been a staunch defender of Trump and a lightning rod for conservative values against what many see as a progressive witch hunt. Yet, fairness demands that even our champions settle their dues.

The Hill reached out to Davidoff Hutcher & Citron for their take, but no word yet on whether they’re popping champagne or just relieved to see justice served. Meanwhile, Giuliani’s legal woes aren’t over with that Arizona case still looming. It’s a stark reminder that standing up for principle often comes with a steep price tag.

At the end of the day, this ruling isn’t just about money—it’s a cautionary tale for anyone in the political arena. Giuliani’s legacy as a tough-on-crime mayor and Trump’s loyal ally shouldn’t be overshadowed by a bill dispute, but ignoring obligations has consequences, even for the most battle-hardened. Let’s hope this is a wake-up call, not a knockout punch, for a man who’s fought many a good fight.